Sunday, October 19, 2008

Is socialism a sin? A biblical analysis

The humanistic viewpoint of socialism, where those that work hard, are forced by the government, to share with those that do not, strikes against a core biblical principle of the Bible.

If you are a believer in God, you are commanded in the fourth commandment to work: Six days you will work, and on the seventh day you rest.

The commandment to "rest" (Sabbath) has a precondition -- that is for that person to work. This is further expanded upon in the New Testament in II Thessalonians 3:6-12. This is where we get the principle of, "...if any would not work, neither should he eat."

How about those that are disabled or can't work?

The Bible has clear guidance on what happens to the elderly, the single mothers, the disabled, and it is laid out both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. For instance, in 1 Timothy 5, the first point of contact should be the extended family members. The second point of contact should be the church.

1 Tim 5:3-4 (NIV): "Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God."

Ask yourself: does this chapter or any other biblical verse talk about asking for the secular government (Roman empire) to come in and help? Do the verses say, "ask Pilate to spread the wealth around"? The answer is clearly no.

The effects of humanistic socialism

The effects of this type of government is laziness. It encourages people that are able to carry on a job to not work. Don't take my word for it. Consider this family that never worked for three generations. Why not? Because the U.K. government and its European socialistic policies have encouraged such behavior.

One of the youngest family members, Jessica, sum's it all up on why we should avoid a society where "spreading the wealth" is advocated as a right:

"I don't like the idea of having to be bossed around at work and I don't want to go to college or anything because I like to stay in bed in the morning. In the meantime, it's my right to claim benefits. One day I'd like a council flat [government housing]."